†††††††† In
1975, the Agnichayana, a 3000-year-old ritual, the longest and the oldest
surviving ritual of mankind, was performed at Panjal in Kerala, India [ Click here to see the maps†]. The
12- day ritual was performed by Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala. Long
considered extinct and never witnessed by outsiders, the ceremonies
require the participation of seventeen priests, preceded by several
months of preparation and rehearsals.

†††††††† This performance was instigated
by the Indologist Dr. Frits Staal , University of California and by Mr.
Robert Gardner, with support from several international agencies.

††††††††
The two Vedic Scholars primarily
responsible for the 1975 performance were Brahmasree Muttathukattu
Mammunnu Itti Ravi (undisputed master of the Jaiminiya Samaveda) and Brahmasree
Cherumukku Vaidikan Vallabhan Somayajipad or CV (occupies a central
position in the ritual realm of the Rgveda and Yajurveda).